Disclaimer: Ranma ½ is the property of Rumiko Takahashi.

Hello, and Merry Xmas everyone! Before I start the fic, let me say a few things. First, this is a Christmas based fic, and is somewhat humorous, so I hope you enjoy it, even if it gets outdated. Second, the chapters will be in POV's, meaning that persons viewpoints, which will change in between chapters. I'll be sure to let you know of the changes. Also, this is my first fic in a first person perspective, so please go easy on me. With that said, on with the fic!



A very merry Christmas ½

Chapter 1

Ranma and Ryoga's viewpoints

[December 23]

[Ranma's viewpoint]



Why do we have to do this every year? It's always the same thing. Akane decorates the house in a horrible fashion, and then has the nerve to try to cook for me! How could someone cook so badly? I can remember it quite clearly, since it was just an hour ago.

[Flashback: The Tendo kitchen]

Akane had just finished baking these cookies. I tried to hide when she saw me, but my stupid old man gave me away, just so he could save himself! All I could do at the moment was dread as she started to speak.

"Oh, there you are, Ranma. I baked some cookies for you. I hope you like them." She'd say so sweetly.

I know in my heart that she tried so hard, but I don't think my stomach could take it. Should I risk it? Or should I run? I thought about this for a moment, until I noticed that I was taking too long to answer. I looked at Akane, and saw a look of anger in her eyes.

"Well?" she asked me irritably. "Aren't you going to try some?"

"Um, well, that is to say." I stammered. I still didn't know what to do, so I panicked. "It'll probably make me sick anyways." This was a big mistake, as I was treated to a punch in the face. "Ow! What did you do that for?!" What did she do that for?! Why did I even ask that?! Of course I know why she did that!

"You didn't even try some first!" she said with a high anger in her tone. "I worked so hard on them too!"

I could see the hurt in her eyes. She really "did" work hard to make them. "Look, Akane." I finally said. "I'll try some, just don't hit me anymore."

Her eyes were now as bright as bulbs. "Really? You'll try them?" she asked cheerfully.

"Yeah, whatever." I said.

"I hope you like them." She said, once again with a sweet tone. "I tried something new, so I hope you don't mind."

Tried something new?! Now I "know" I'm gonna be sick! Nevertheless, I picked one up, threw it in my mouth, and tasted it. There was something strange about the taste. It was pretty bitter for a cookie, so I asked. "Akane? What did you put in this? It's kind of bitter."

"Do you like it?" she asked. "They're ginger snaps, so I had put give them just the right ingredients, although I think I put too much salt and paprika in them. I also accidentally spilled some soy sauce in them."

Why did she have to say that when I've just put a third cookie in my mouth? The thought of those ingredients in pastries was enough to make me run to the garbage bin, and spit out the monstrosities. "Soy sauce?! Salt?! What were you thinking?!"

"You don't have to yell, Ranma!" she shouted back at me. "I said it was a mistake! You don't have to be so harsh about it!"

"Harsh is making me try it in the first place!" I retorted, although I would now be regretting it, as she held me by the collar of my shirt, and threw me into the pond. I emerged, in my female form of course.

"You jerk!" she shouted.

"Uncute tomboy!" I shouted back.

"Dummy!"

"Flat chested!"

I think I drew the line on that last remark, as I could see the anger building up within her. Knowing what would happen next, I hopped on the roof and ran as fast as I could.



[End of flashback: Nerima shopping center]



Why does she have to take things so personal? Sure, I could use softer words when I criticize her, but for some reason, I feel strange being around her. I like it, and yet, I also despise it. Everyone else says it's because I love her, but who could love such an uncute tomboy?! Well....she "is" kind of cute when she's not yelling at me....maybe I should apologize later, but just because it's the right thing to do! It's not like I like her or anything!........Well, a little....what's wrong with me?!

Fortunately, and unfortunately at the same time, who else but Ryoga should show up. I guess he's finally made his way back to Nerima. He approached me with a glint of anger in his eyes....that, and he had his fist up. I just rolled my eyes.

"Hey, P-chan." I said.

"Don't call me P-chan!" he shouted.

"Then how about Charlotte?"

"You have insulted me for the last time, Saotome!" he shouted as he tried to punch me. I swiftly dodged, and then elbowed him into the concrete. This is getting really old. Even in my female form, he was still no match for me.

"Look, Ryoga." I said. "I'd love to humiliate you some more, but I've got to do some Christmas shopping."

"For Akane no doubt." Ryoga said in slight anger.

"Who said it was for her?" I asked. "Not that it's any of your business, but why would I buy a gift for her? She's uncute, bad tempered, flat as a board.."

"I will not tolerate you talking that way about Akane!" he said as he quickly rose from the floor. "I'm going to get Akane a gift that'll make her shun whatever it is that you have planned!"

"Um, P-chan? You don't have any money."

"I'll find a way, and don't call me P-chan!"

"Whatever, P-chan. See you later. That is, unless you get lost again."

The next event was predictable. Saying some threats that I don't care to remember, he tried to lunge at me once again. I swiftly dodged again, but this time, I kicked him into a nearby fountain. I waved at the emerging piglet.

"Bye, P-chan!" I said while laughing. All he could do was make those pig sounds at me. I laughed a bit more, and then left towards the bathroom to change back into a guy.

However, when I got there, just before I could open the door, another dreadful figure exited. It was Kuno, and I was still in female form!

"Pig-tailed one." He said. "Oh what fates that smiles upon me!" Then the jerk embraced me! "It could only be by destiny that we should meet in such a place."

I quickly jumped out of his arms, and gave him a quick roundhouse in the face. "Get away from me, Kuno!" Then I quickly stormed off into the bathroom, but not before his little idiot sidekick, Sasuke, stood in my way.

"Don't worry, master Kuno!" he said to the now rising moron. "I, Sasuke, your humble manservant, will make sure she stays with you!" Then he turned towards me. "You, my lady friend, are not going anywhere! The only way through here is through me!"

What an idiot! He's trying to stop me from going into the bathroom? "Well, if you insist." I said as quickly stepped on him, leaving a footprint. I decided to finish this quickly, since I could see Kuno looking back in my direction.

"Your kick is swift and heavenly." He said as he drew his bokken. "But my bokken is swifter! I challenge you! When I win, I shall date with you!"

Then he charged at me. I quickly picked up Sasuke, and threw him at Kuno's legs, which caused him to stumble, and fall. I closed the door, poured some hot water on myself, and then opened the door. The shocked and angered expression on Kuno's face was priceless!

"You! Ranma Saotome! Your vile sorcery ends here and now! I shall defeat you, and then both Akane and the pig-tailed girl will be free from your grasp! Prepare to battle!"

Being very annoyed at the moment, I fired a ki blast to quickly shut him up. I think it must've caught him off guard, since it knocked him out in one shot. I calmly left while Sasuke was trying miserably to carry him back to his home.

After a while, I was basically window shopping. You know, looking in a few stores here, a few shops there, and whatnot. It's a good thing I saved some money this year. Nothing's worse than having to owe Nabiki again.

......Me and my big mouth! No sooner had I said that, both Ukyo and Shampoo were arguing amongst each other, and Ryoga was with them! Fortunately, they didn't see me, so I quickly and quietly snuck off into a clothing store. I went in the back of the store, and then calmed down. I looked around the store seconds later. The things here weren't so bad. I think getting a Christmas present for Akane will be easier than I thought.....Forget I said that! I just saw Kodachi in here! "If she sees me, I'm done for!" I muttered to myself. I quietly snuck into the store bathroom, hoping that she wouldn't see me. Fortunately, I don't think she did. I think I'll just hide here until she goes away.



[Ryoga's viewpoint]



I'll make Ranma pay for this! Knocking me into a fountain like that! Making fun of me! Talking that way about Akane! He's not getting away with this! All I need to do now is get back into human form.

It took a while, but I finally made it to the bathroom, and was able to change back. Once I got dressed, I had one thing on my mind....Buy Akane the best Christmas gift ever!! The only problem was getting the money for it. How could I get money for a gift on such short notice?

While I was thinking about this, Ukyo was unknowingly heading towards me. Maybe I could ask her for some money. I'll do anything in return. I was about to say something, but I sensed the energy of another fighter. I turned around, and saw Shampoo unknowingly heading towards me in the opposite direction. They must both be really preoccupied or something.

Then, as if by instinct, the two saw each other. They quickly ran up to me. However, their eyes were fixated on each other.

"Oh, hello, Shampoo." Ukyo said very irritably.

"Same to you, Spatula girl." Shampoo said, also in the same tone. I figured it was just best to listen in, and wait for them to notice me.

"So what brings you here anyways? Looking for some strange herb to poison Ranma?"

"For you information, spatula girl, Shampoo was shopping for presents." Then she gave an evil grin to Ukyo. "Mostly for Airen."

Ukyo also gave a similar grin in return. I tell you, if grins could kill, I would be dead.

"It just so happens that 'I' am going to buy Ranma honey a gift that he'll surely love. In fact, he probably has one all wrapped up just for me."

"Ha! Dream on! Ranma buy gift for Shampoo!"

"And what gift would that be?" she said sarcastically. "A love potion? A hormone enhancer? A forced marriage?"

"No...that gift from great-grandmother. Shampoo buy something that Ranma won't run from." Then she smirked at Ukyo. "What you getting him? More Okonomiyaki? A spatula?"

The two growled at each other, and were now saying some words that I dare not say. I think it's best that I now intervene. I stood up, and spoke.

"Um, hello?" I said.

They both turned towards me, their anger subsiding.

"Ryoga? What brings you here sugar?"

"How long you there?"

"Not too long." I answered. "I'm here to buy a present for Akane, but I'm having some trouble getting some money."

"Is that all sugar? I could give you some. All you have to do is help me get a present for Ranma honey."

I nearly fumed at that name! However, I remained calm and collected. "Ranma! I'll hunt him down to the ends of the Earth! How dare he speak that way of Akane!" Okay...so maybe that wasn't so calm. "Um, I'm sorry. He just made a fool of me earlier."

"Then it good thing you bump into Shampoo." She said cheerfully. "Shampoo help you win heart of violent girl."

"No, you're not!" Ukyo exclaimed while grabbing my arm. "He's 'my' friend, so 'I'm' going to help him! Besides, I don't want you drugging Ranma or anything like that!"

"Shampoo do no such thing!" she said while grabbing my other arm. "At least Shampoo don't try to blow things up!"

"Why you...."

This was getting nowhere. I couldn't help but wonder. Did I look like that whenever I fought Ranma? I hope not. Before this fight escalated, I quickly spoke up.

"Before you go at each others throats, why don't you just get Ranma the best gift you can? That way, you don't have to fight, and maybe he'll even leave Akane for one of you." It was wishful thinking, but when it comes to love, anything is possible!

For several seconds, there was a large pause. Finally, Ukyo spoke up.

"That's a great idea! You and I can each get a gift for the one we love. Come on! Let's go!"

So, without another warning, I was dragged to the nearest store, leaving Shampoo behind, who seemed to be running off in the opposite direction. I don't know what it is she might be planning, but as long as I get Akane, I don't care what it is!............Although, if anyone were to get Ranma, I prefer it to be Ukyo. She's so kind and caring. Ranma is such a fool! Can't he see how much she cares for him?! She cares for him just as much as I care for Akane! Don't worry, Akane! We'll be together one day!

I then noticed the strange glances Ukyo was giving me.

"Are you alright sugar?" she asked. "You seem to be in deep thought."

"Oh, it's nothing." I said. "So, let's go find something for Akane....and Ranma." I said the last part quietly and a bit irritably.

It took a while, but we finally found the perfect gifts for the ones we cared about. I don't know why, but she also gave me a gift, wrapped of course. I smiled. "Thank you. I not sure how I'll be able to give you a gift in return."

"Don't worry about it hon." She answered cheerfully. "Your appreciation is gift enough."

I thanked her again, and we both went our separate ways. She's such a nice girl. I don't know what's wrong with Ranma. He should be beaten many times for his stupidity! Now, to find the Tendo Dojo. I just hope I can find it before Christmas morning.

I exited the shopping center, and looked around. "Hmm, where am I now?"



End of chapter 1



Well, I hope you liked it. Please tell me what you thought about it. I'll try to have chapter 2 posted by tomorrow. My email address is rubynall@hotmail.com

Until chapter 2, have fun.^_^